Vidya Bharati student topper from West Bengal, Bristi Das - shares her dream to work in the field of Mental Health

In the present day scenario, raising stress, completion, increasing work pressure, lack of work life balance and many such factors are leading to an increased rate of mental health problems and substance abuse. According to WHO, India has the highest suicide rate in the South-East Asian region with a rate of 16.5 suicides per 100,000 people. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that 10,159 students died by suicide in 2018, an increase from 9,905 in 2017, and 9,478 in 2016. Negative mental health not only leads to loss of life but can also have adverse effects on society and the economy at large. Thus it becomes imperative that more stress and attention is given to the problem.

At Vidya Bharati schools students are trained to become more socially conscious and think about serving the society at large. Bristi Das, alumni of Sarojini Devi Saraswati Shishu Mandir (High School), West Bengal, is not only a brilliant student but also extremely socially conscious for her young age.

Bristi hails from Birbhum district of West Bengal. She recently passed her class 10 board examination scoring an excellent aggregate percentage 97.43.  In a recent interview, when asked about her ambition in life, Bristi stated that she aims to study MBBS, preferably from AIIMS and then take up higher study in Psychology and mental health. She stated that it is very disheartening for her to see people suffering silently from a host of mental health problems, which is still considered a taboo in our society, as well as the dearth of proper mental health facilities in the country. She believes that all individuals have the right to live a happy healthy life which includes mental health as well.

While talking about her school, Bristi said as her school does not have any classes higher than 10, she had to get admitted to local government school for her further studies, but she feels nostalgic of leaving her childhood school and her teachers. She remembers fondly how her teachers had always supported and encouraged her at every level. She stated that whenever she did not do well in her exams, her teachers would sit with her and suggest to her how she could improve her performance. She could reach out to them whenever she had any problem or needed suggestions. According to Bristi, her school teachers, along with her parents, and tuition teachers have played a major role behind her academic success.

When young, Bristi used to participate at sporting events in her school and has won prizes for her discipline as well. Presently she has taken up photography as her hobby and way to de stress.  

Before ending her conversation, when asked about her suggestions for Vidya Bharati students for scoring good marks, she stated that a disciplined approach to study is required if one wants to do well in board examinations. Studying from the textbooks is enough but one has to be sincere.

Bristi thinks that her journey towards her aim has just begun and would appreciate it if she gets proper counselling and guidance from other alumni, so that she can achieve her dreams to serve the society.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad congratulates Bristi Das for her outstanding results and wishes her all the best for her future endeavour. We also congratulate her teachers and her parents for supporting her unconditionally.

If you are a Vidya Bharati student and want to share your achievement, kindly email us your contact details to info@vidyabharatialumni.org or fill the form https://bit.ly/34Z27NJ and we will get in touch with you. 

If you are an alumni and want to mentor students like Bristi please contact as at the above mentioned email id.